Disciplined Kiwis beat Indian eves by 23 runs

Wellington: A disciplined performance with the ball and on field pressure helped New Zealand outsmart India by 23 runs in the opening Twenty20 International match here on Wednesday.

Although Smriti Mandhana struck the fastest Twenty20 International half-century, getting to the mark in 24 deliveries, a disciplined performance helped New Zealand fight back to claim victory, according to an ICC statement.

When Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues added 58 runs in the Powerplay, India seemed well on course to chase down the target of 160.

But Kiwi pacer Lea Tahuhu (3/20), and spinners Leigh Kasperek (2/25) and Amelia Kerr (2/28) fought back, and with the fielders holding on to the chances they were offered, the hosts pulled off a stunning victory. Hannah Rowe's catch off Mandhana proved to be the game-changer, as India collapsed from 102/1 to 136 all out after that. The middle order offered no resistance, and when captain Harmanpreet Kaur was stumped trying to charge down the ground, India's hopes disappeared.

Earlier, New Zealand's total had been set up by Sophie Devine.

After the hosts were put in to bat, Devine led the charge in partnerships of 36 with debutant Caitlin Gurrey (15) and 69 with Amy Satterthwaite (33 off 27 balls).

For India, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav and Poonam Yadav scalped one wicket each.

With this victory, the hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The repeated failure of the middle-order to up the game when it matters has convinced Indian women's team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana that she has to "practically bat for 18 to 20 overs" for the side to stay in the hunt during stiff chases.

Mandhana smashed a 58-run knock off 34 balls but the Indian team failed to make it count and was dismissed for 136 while chasing a target of 160 in the opening T20 International.

"My wicket along with Jemimah's turned out to be crucial. If you get out back-to-back in T20s, it proves costly. When you are chasing 160 and the run-rate is above 7 or 8, next time we have to plan and play better. It didn't work out today," Mandhana said after the match. "Practically, I would say I have to bat till 20 overs, that is the best option."